Molecular Identification Of Strains Of Sclerotinia Species
In Australia, Scherotina head, root and stem rots are caused by one of the two fungal species: Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary and S.minor Jagger. Both of these produce modified vegetative resting structures known as “sclerotia” which comprise of compacted fungal mycelia covered in a hard melanised rind. The lack of genetic resistance among the host species and the ineffectiveness of chemical control of Sclerotina spp. has led to a search for alternative means of control.